Sulfuric Acid (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what sulfuric acid is, what its formula is and its various uses. Also, the risks and properties of this compound.

What is sulfuric acid?

Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical compound generally obtained in laboratories from sulfur dioxide (SO₂). It is one of the most generated and used chemical products in the world since it has numerous applications in industry and in the synthesis of other chemical materials.

The sulfuric acid molecule It is made up of hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur arranged in a pyramidal manner with sulfur located in the center and oxygen at the vertices. It is known as tetraoxosulfuric acid (VI), hydrogen tetraoxosulfate (VI), oil of vitriol, liquor of vitriol or spirit of vitriol.

These last names are due to the way in which it was discovered in medieval Europe, when alchemists obtained it from crystals of sulfate salts, a material they knew as vitriol, from the Latin vitreus (“glass”).

It was supposed to Vitriol was the most important chemical in the world which could be used as a philosopher's stone. There were blue or Roman vitriol (copper II sulfate), white vitriol (zinc sulfate), green vitriol (iron II sulfate), red vitriol (cobalt II sulfate) and Mars vitriol (iron III sulfate).

Currently sulfuric acid It is available in numerous presentations and degrees of purity.

Sulfuric acid formula

The standard chemical formula of sulfuric acid is h₂SW₄ which means that it has two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur and four oxygen atoms, arranged in a pyramidal manner with the sulfur located in the center.

You may be interested: History of Chemistry

Uses of sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid is widely used in the chemical and petrochemical industry, as part of the production of other acids and bases.

It is particularly important in the fertilizer industry in oil refining, in the treatment of steel and in the manufacture of explosives, detergents and plastics.

It is also widely used in wood and paper industry in many processes of the textile industry and in the production of batteries (although in a slight proportion).

In many countries, its marketing takes place under strict surveillance since it is part of the chemicals commonly used in the manufacture of cocaine.

Risks of sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid requires care in its handling and storage, given that its contact with the skin, mucous membranes (by inhalation or ingestion) or with other parts of the body can cause irritation, burns, or even total tissue destruction depending on the concentration of the acid. Repeated exposures of low concentrations can cause dermatitis or even cancer.

Although it is not flammable By itself, in contact with metals it produces hydrogen, which it is. Contact with water should be avoided as it generates a highly exothermic reaction that can lead to fires or acid splashes (if water is added to the acid).

Properties of sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid is an oily, colorless liquid with a particular odor depending on its concentration. Its melting point is 10 ºC, its boiling point is 337 ºC and its density is 1.84 g/cm³. It is miscible with water, but generates heat, given its enormous dehydrating effect, also on hydrocarbon molecules (such as sucrose).